More than a dozen people have contacted police over a rape in a pub toilet which was recorded by witnesses on mobile phones.

The 14 men and one woman came forward after we published appeals for information about the attack on a 27-year-old.

Detectives stressed the men were being treated as witnesses and not suspects.

They say the victim may have been raped by two men who led her into the men's toilets.

Two more men were caught on CCTV walking into the toilets minutes later. It is thought they may have used their picture phones to take still or video images of the rape, thinking they were watching an amorous couple.

The victim was left on the floor, half-naked and barely conscious, in the toilet at the Toad At The Picture House pub in East Street, Brighton.

It is thought she may have been drugged.

Detective Inspector Peter Laverick, heading the inquiry, said today: "We are very encouraged by the response and believe more potential witnesses will contact us."

The men helping with inquiries were being asked whether they had photographed the attack and whether their phones still carried the images.

Date-rape drugs including Rohypnol are allegedly being sold openly in Brighton and Hove.

Ian Bates, night porter at the West Beach Hotel in Kings Road, said he was approached by an alcoholic who told him he had been prescribed the drug to help him kick his habit.

Mr Bates said: "He tried to sell me five tablets for a fiver, presumably so he could use the cash to buy booze.

"I refused but it worries me. I have an 18-year-old daughter and I am concerned that these drugs are so readily available."

The rape victim was celebrating a friend's birthday and police are investigating whether a drug was dropped into her drink. There were no signs of a struggle from her as she was led to the toilets.

Mr Laverick said the rapist was "extremely callous and a danger to women".

The attack happened on Saturday June 7 and detectives were today studying CCTV video footage taken on the night.

One witness has told police at least two men were using mobile phones in the toilet.

One of the men who watched the assault is in his early 20s, 5ft 11in, slim, with ginger or dyed blond spiky hair.

He had spots on his chin and was wearing a distinctive green or black paisley patterned shirt, dark trousers and dark shoes.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Brighton and Hove CID on 0845 6070999.